Gulf Coast Buzz (Dec. 5 – 18, 2014)

gulf coast Your 14-day guide to fun, food and entertainment

Gift Ideas !

Unusu holiday al gifts Gifts fo fishing r fans

Heirloom recipes

Keep classic holiday dishes alive DEc. 5 – 18, 2014 Gulf Coast Newspapers

Vol. 1 Issue 16

DEC. 5 – 18

In-depth Baldwin County calendar and live music listings in every issue!

PLUS: Holiday events

2 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Blessing.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

Helping others is the focus of Alan’s life.

We helped him get back to it.

Pastor Alan McBride suffered a major arm injury as he was unhitching a trailer from his car. “I heard a sound as loud as a rifle shot,” he said, “and felt paralyzing pain.” Nothing helped until he went to see an orthopedic surgeon. “My doctor explained that my bicep tendon was almost completely torn from the bone,” said Alan.

“He made things happen fast and performed surgery the very next day at South Baldwin. I received wonderful care and can use my arm with no limitations. I visit South Baldwin two or three times a week as a pastor and have been there several times as a patient. Everything I’ve experienced is A+. It’s a blessing in this community.” To learn more about surgical services at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, visit SouthBaldwinRMC.com/SurgicalServices.

Alan McBride, D.D. Senior Pastor Orange Beach United Methodist Church

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 3

Holiday Festivities at Bill’s By the Beach With less than 20 days until Christmas, it’s time to start planning for your holiday with family and friends. Bill’s By the Beach is a unique venue to host your holiday private and corporate parties. Take a tour of our restaurant at bbtb.com/video.

Make your reservations today!

Christmas Cookies Decorating & Holiday Dinner Parents make reservations for a special four course holiday theme dinner where you are encouraged to bring the kids. Chef Jon will help children decorate Christmas cookies while the parents may enjoy beverages from the Turtle Bar. View details at bbtb.com/events.

Sunday, December 14, 3:30 to 5:00 Saturday, December 20, 3:30 to 5:00 New Year’s Eve — Dinner & Dancing Price Fixed Menu. Details to follow.

Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers, stop by for lunch and shop at the same time! Ask your waiter about joining our new loyality program, earn 1 point for every $1 spent and receive rewards.

Live Music Friday, December 5, Lisa Zanghi, 6-10pm Friday, December 12, Lisa Zanghi, 6-10pm Friday, December 19, Mel of the Foxy Iguanas, 6-10pm

251-948-5227 | 300 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 bbtb.com | facebook.com/billsbythebeachgulfshores From Hwy 59, 2 Blocks Right on Hwy 182

4 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014 gulf coast

Letter from the editor

Your 14-day guide to fun, food and entertainment

GIFT IDEAS !

Unusu holiday al gifts Gifts for fishing fans

The holidays are here, and I must say, it’s my favorite time of year — my middle name is Noel and my birthday is only a week before one of the biggest holidays of the year. But that’s not where my joy for the season comes from. I’ve always been extremely close to my family and friends. I love spending time with those I don’t see often and sharing a conversation over a delicious meal. Watching them unwrap gifts that I put so much thought into shopping for gives me the greatest joy. The look on their faces is priceless, literally.

As many stress about food or visiting family, take a step back and be thankful. Be thankful for the food you have to stress over and the family you have to clean for. Especially, remember the real reason for the season — why this time is set aside from work and play.

To begin your holidays, check out each page of our county calendars and find events around you. Each area of the county is divided up and events are listed with pertinent information. As shown on our cover, experiment with new recipes that I hope you will make a tradition. We spend so much time running around during the holidays, but now’s the time to spend with family — that includes making their recipes from way back when — even if they take some time and aren’t the easiest.

Three of the four recipes are from Mary Vaught Tunstall, my grandmother. I flipped through our family cookbook and found her handwriting of a recipe from 1992 — that was the year she gave it to her son and my mother; not the year she started making it. Her chocolate poundcake is famous on my dad’s side of the family. It’s definitely a recipe you have to take your time with and use real ingredients (no margarine substitutes for butter, Mom). My advice for all of these recipes: read the recipe twice, then begin. I speak from personal experience.

Although it takes a bit longer, the taste of these desserts are well worth it!

Grab your spouse, parents or children and gather around the kitchen with a bowl and mixer in hand to try some of these heirloom recipes, or your own family recipes.

Bring an old tradition back to life.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Happy Kwanza! Happy Holidays!

No matter how you say it, I wish you all a safe and healthy start to your holidays!

Heirloom recipes

Keep classic holiday dishes alive DEC. 5 – 18, 2014 Gulf Coast Newspapers

Vol. 1 Issue 16

DEC. 5 – 18

In-depth Baldwin County calendar and live music listings in every issue!

PLUS: Holiday events

Cover photo is by Jay Sowers

ABOUT THE COVER Revive your family recipes this season. Spend more time stirring and tasting in the kitchen. Try our favorite heirloom recipes!

Find out more on page 6.

Look for us submissions I In all five Gulf Coast Newspapers: The Baldwin Times, The Independent, The Foley Onlooker, The Islander and The Courier

I Comments and concerns

I In racks, boxes and locations throughout Baldwin County

I Live local music listings

I On GulfCoastNewsToday.com

gulf coast

Social Media I On Facebook: Gulf Coast Newspapers On Twitter: @gcntoday

Allison Woodham: awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Events calendar

Allison Woodham: awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Destiny Brown: dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Advertising

Eastern Shore pjohnson@gulfcoastnewspapers.com and North Baldwin rbrookins@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Central Baldwin and South Baldwin

jbouzan@gulfcoastnewspapers.com bday@gulfcoastnewspapers.com fkustura@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Publishes the first and third Friday of each month.

Look for our next issue Friday, Dec. 19.

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 5

COVER STORY

gulf coast

WHAT’S INSIDE

9-17

Heirloom recipes Delicious desserts passed on to the next generation. 6-8

Publisher Sudie Gambrell

sgambrell@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

WHERE TO GO

Editor Allison Woodham

Holiday events in Baldwin County. 9-17

awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

North Baldwin Christmas Fest and more. 10

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Paige Renka

prenka@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Central Baldwin Events in Loxley, Robertsdale and Silverhill. 12

Contributing Editors

24

South Baldwin “Let It Snow” and more. 14 Eastern Shore Events in Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort and Point Clear. 15

Jill Clair Gentry Scott Gentry Kristin H. Roberson Jon Robitaille

advertising

WHAT TO BUY Unusual Gifts Four unique ideas. 24

Culturally Speaking Bay Shore’s “The Nutcracker.” 26 The Buzz on the Coast 14 Days, our comprehensive calendar. 18 Local Live Music Baldwin County music listings. 27

Destiny Brown Cathy Higgins Eric Mann Cliff McCollum John Mullen Jay Sowers John Underwood

ContributoRS

Gulf Coast Coastal Christmas and more. 16

A&E

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

ALL ABOUT FOOD Tastings A sparkling time of year. 31 Touring breweries. 31

OUTDOORS

Jeniece Bouzan Rebecca Brookins Brad Day Pat Johnson Frank Kustura

Aiming and Angling Holiday gifts for fishing fans. 21

BOOKS/GAMES

FAMILY FUN

Between the Pages “Southern Wonder.” 22

Relieving holiday stress 20

Puzzles Test your brain. 30

Gulf Coast Media 21764 Media Dr., Robertsdale, AL 36567 251-947-7712 GulfCoastNewsToday.com

ABOUT THE COVER

Revive

heirloom recipes this Christmas Jill

By Jill Clair Gentry

ir Gentry Cla

jillianclair@gmail.com

W

e live in the Pinterest age.

New recipes. New ways to do old things. Tips and tricks. Easy. Quick. Healthy versions of old favorites. Especially during the holidays.

But sometimes it’s important to remember where

we came from, even in the kitchen. We can’t forget the recipes our grandmothers wrote in their beautiful, scrawling script — those cakes we grew up eating or the cookies we frosted together each holiday season.

These recipes might take more time and are almost always more fattening, but during a time of year when families gather and memories are made, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to log out of Pinterest and grab the old recipe box instead. Let’s keep our heirloom recipes alive.

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Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 7

Mom’s lemon ice box pie Recipe courtesy of the late Mary Vaught Tunstall Start to finish: 30 minutes n 3 egg yolks n 14-ounce can condensed milk n Juice of 3 whole lemons n 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest n Graham cracker crust Meringue n 3 egg whites n 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar n 1/3 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Beat egg yolks; stir in sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and rind. Pour into a graham cracker crust.

For meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Top pie with meringue and bake for 15 minutes.

photos by jay sowers / staff

Fudge

Recipe courtesy of the late Mary Vaught Tunstall Start to finish: 15 minutes n n n n n n

1 1/2 sticks butter 3 cups sugar 5 ounces evaporated milk 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels 7-ounce jar marshmallow crème 1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix margarine, sugar and milk in a large Dutch oven. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in chips until melted. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Pour into greased 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Cool at room temperature.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

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Greer’s Fairhope Market 75 S Section Street, Fairhope, AL 251-947-2962

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

8 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Chocolate poundcake Recipe courtesy of the late Mary Vaught Tunstall Start to finish: 2 hours (20 minutes active) n n n n n n n n n n

1/2 pound butter 1/2 cup shortening 3 cups sugar 5 eggs 3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cocoa 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter and shortening, then add sugar and beat until well-combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

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Tea cakes with chocolate icing

Recipe courtesy of Kristi Jacobs Start to finish: 1 hour, 30 minutes (30 minutes active)

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1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 1/2 cups self-rising flour

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Slowly add flour.

Chill dough for at least an hour, preferably overnight, and roll out onto a floured surface until dough is about 1/4 an inch thick. Cut dough into desired shapes.

Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014 Slowly add dry ingredients, alternating with milk (begin and end with dry ingredients). Add vanilla.

Bake at 275 F for 2 hours or at 300 F for 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Icing n 1/4 cup butter or margarine n 2 squares unsweetened chocolate n 1 box confectioner’s powdered sugar n 5 tablespoons milk n 1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt margarine and chocolate, then pour into small mixing bowl.

Add confectioner’s sugar. Add 5 tablespoons milk (add milk one teaspoon at a time for thicker icing). Add vanilla and stir.

8-10 minutes for a crunchy cookie and 6-8 minutes for a soft cookie.

Dust with powdered sugar or cover with chocolate frosting.

Cooked chocolate frosting Start to finish: 15 minutes n n n n n

2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 stick butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Combine the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Do not use a nonstick saucepan.

Bring to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes at a medium boil.

Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Stir until cooled enough to stay on the cookie. Add a little milk and reheat on the stovetop if icing gets too hard while frosting the cookies.

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 9

Holiday events WHERE TO GO

in Baldwin County NORTH BALDWIN

CENTRAL BALDWIN

SOUTH BALDWIN

EASTERN SHORE

GULF COAST

10 12

14 15

16

North 10 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Baldwin

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

Did you know?

Santa will be throwing more than just candy when he arrives in downtown Bay Minette on Friday, Dec. 12. The jolly old elf will be tossing out 600 ping pong balls as he makes his grand entrance at the 32nd annual Christmas Fest. The ping pongs will be dropped at 5:30 p.m. as part of the opening ceremonies with Santa riding in on top of a fire truck. Of those, 100 ping pongs will be numbered and 100 prizes will be given away during the weekend.

“Festival goers who catch a numbered ball can return to the festival on Saturday to claim their prize at the Chamber booth,” Jones said. “This year’s prizes range from gift certificates for massages and local restaurants to goody bags with bowling passes and even a free family membership to the Bay Minette Municipal Pool.”

Sponsored by the Baldwin County High School Cross Country team, the Christmas Fest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will take place at the Community Kids Park. Last year, Santa Claus got in on the fun.

Christmas Fest set for Dec. 12 – 13 in Bay Minette For many residents in north Baldwin County, Christmas Fest weekend helps kick off the holiday season. “The lighting of the tree, the parade, Santa, music and the festival food all come together one weekend in December and create a sense of nostalgia for the adults that grew up looking forward to the festival, a sense of magic for the children and it brings together a community to celebrate the year and ring in the holiday,” said Ashley Jones, North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Christmas in north Baldwin is full of tradition — 32 years worth of traditions that are family friendly, community-oriented and a great way to spend your weekend."

In addition to numerous arts and crafts and food vendors, there will be games and fun activities and plenty of great entertainment to fill the weekend. There will also be a special children’s area set up in Blackburn Park

if you go WHAT: 32nd annual Christmas Fest WHEN: Dec. 12, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Dec. 13, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Blackburn Park and various locations in Bay Minette TITLE SPONSORS: Baldwin EMC and Windcreek Casino FIND OUT MORE: NorthBaldwinChamber.com/32nd-AnnualChristmas-Festival manned by volunteer groups.

The Kid’s Zone will offer the younger set some activities to enjoy during the festival.

“Giving the organizations the opportunity to raise funds we thought would be great to give back to the community as well as something new and exciting for children to do,” said Kris Angelone, NBCC member and project manager.

The Chamber will also be selling a limited number of commemorative T-shirts featuring a design by Marlee Long of Bay Minette. The shirts are $14 for youth sizes and $18 for adults and will be available for purchase at the Chamber booth.

Friday’s activities will include the lighting of the

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Christmas tree in Blackburn Park, Santa’s arrival and performances by local talent. Bedtime Stories with Santa will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Bay Minette Public Library.

For this free event, children can come dressed in their pajamas to hear a favorite Christmas story and to visit with Santa Claus.

The fun continues Saturday with more time for shopping at vendor booths, live entertainment, Pancakes with Santa, Christmas Fest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run and the annual parade.

The entertainment stage will be graced by numerous local musicians, dancers and performers. Jones said that Christmas Fest is the perfect showcase for the area’s talented residents.

“We are proud of the talent that has come from north Baldwin, and we want them to know that we are proud of them,” Jones said. “These performances are a chance for each of them to show off their talents to family, friends and the north Baldwin community. We are honored to feature our locals."

Sponsored by the Baldwin County High School Cross Country team, the Christmas Fest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will take place at the Community Kids Park. Race time is 9 a.m. for the 5K and 10 a.m. for the fun run. Entry fees are $25 for adults and $20 for youth.

Applications can be found online at NorthBaldwinChamber.com or can be picked up at the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce on McMeans Avenue, Bay Minette City Hall on D’Olive Street or Baldwin County High School on Tiger Drive.

The annual Christmas parade will be held 1:30 p.m.

Saturday with local TV news anchor and meteorologist — and Bay Minette native — Chasity Byrd serving as grand marshal. After graduating from Baldwin County High School, Byrd went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in meteorology from Mississippi State University. She also has a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama in communication with a minor in meteorology.

Byrd is a “hometown celebrity” and a wonderful ambassador for north Baldwin, Jones said. In addition to serving as grand marshal, she will also help judge the Christmas parade float entries.

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 11

Christmas Fest schedule Unless otherwise stated, all entertainment will take place in Blackburn Park. The schedule of entertainment includes:

Friday 3 p.m.: Oakwood Hand Bell Choir 3:30 p.m.: Alfa Singers: Rachel, Heather and Vernon 4 p.m.: Baldwin County High School Jazz Band 5 p.m.: City Rhythm Band 5:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies, Lighting of the Tree, Santa arrives 6 p.m.: Presentation of art contest winners 6 – 9 p.m.: Pictures with Santa in Rex Courtyard 6:30 p.m.: Bedtime Stories with Santa at Bay Minette Public Library 7 p.m.: Microwave Dave & The Nukes

Saturday 8 – 10 a.m.: Pancakes with Santa at First United Methodist Church 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Pictures with Santa at Rex Courtyard 9 a.m.: Christmas Fest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run at Community Kids Park 9:15 a.m.: Ashley Ryan 9:30 a.m.: BCHS Tiger Guard 9:45 a.m.: BCHS Tigerettes 10 a.m.: BCHS Choir 10:30 a.m.: Bay Minette Intermediettes 10:45 a.m.: North Baldwin Taekwondo 11 a.m.: Brad Lawley Noon: The Unknown Bluegrass Band 1:30 p.m.: Christmas Parade through downtown Bay Minette 3 p.m.: Parade awards 3:30 p.m.: Rising Star Dance Team 4 p.m.: Festival closes For a full list of activities planned this Christmas season in North Baldwin, visit NorthBaldwinChamber.com.

“She is always willing to lend a helping hand and give back to her home community, and we thought it would be a nice way to say ‘thank you’ to Chasity for being a wonderful representative of Bay Minette.”

Other North Baldwin events Bay Minette Breakfast with Santa I Saturday, Dec. 6; 8 – 11 a.m.; Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department I Breakfast, $4; pictures with Santa Claus, $5 Christmas Tour of Homes Sponsored by Bay Minette Kiwanis I Sunday, Dec. 14; 1 – 5 p.m.

I $10 I 251-937-5665

Perdido Christmas in Perdido Perdido School would like to invite everyone to come shop merchandise such as arts and crafts and other items of interest. Breakfast with Santa will be from 8 – 10 a.m. in the cafeteria. Don’t forget to

bring your camera. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be available in the lobby of the gym for your shopping convenience. Bring your Christmas list and check it twice.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Perdido School Gym I Free admission

Stockton Christmas on the River Boat parade with Santa arriving by boat; Donations will benefit the North Baldwin Animal Shelter.

Tenants will be cooking chili to serve hot chocolate and coffee.

I Dec. 6; 4 – 8 p.m.; Matthews Landing / Lower Bryant Landing I Free admission

Central 12 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

Baldwin LOXLEY Third annual Polar Express For four magical nights Derailed Diner’s authentic dining car will be transformed into the train car from the children’s book “The Polar Express.” Participants receive a golden “believe” ticket punched by the Polar Express train conductor. All attending will be served hot chocolate and cookies after the professional performance and sing-a-long from the book.

Each child will be gifted a magic jingle bell to wish upon.

Reservations are required.

I Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Saturday, Dec. 13; 6 p.m.; Oasis Travel Center I Free admission, children 4 – 12 years. No adults will be allowed on the train, but you can peek through the windows.

I 251-960-1152 Loxley Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park

Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the park following the parade and Santa will be available for photos. That night, the City Rhythm Big Band will host its annual Christmas Ball at the Civic Center.

I Saturday, Dec. 13; Parade, 10 a.m.; Christmas in the Park, 10:30 a.m.; City Rhythm Big Band, 7 p.m.

I Parade and Christmas in the Park are free. Admission to the Christmas Ball costs $5 per person.

I 251-964-7733

ROBERTSDALE 10th annual Christmas Bazaar Sponsored by the George P. Thames Senior Citizens’ Center is a fundraiser for senior activities. Events will include pictures with Santa, arts and crafts and entertainment.

Bud and Nell Calloway are serving as chairmen for the event.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.;

Santa at the Silverhill Christmas Parade.

Last year’s Walk Through Bethlehem at Bethel Baptist Church. This year’s event will be Dec. 11 – 14.

PZK Civic Center I Free admission I 251-947-8973; sarahduncan@robertsdale.org Robertsdale Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park Christmas concert featuring the

Robertsdale High School chorus will be held in Honeybee Park. Parade begins at Robertsdale High School to Honeybee Park, followed by photos with Santa and a concert.

Coordinated by the Robertsdale Rotary Club, city of Robertsdale and the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; RHS Chorus concert, 4 p.m.; parade, 6 p.m.

I Free admission I 251-947-2626 Walk Through Bethlehem This live, interactive adventure follows the birth of Jesus with recreations of the shepherd’s fields, the town of Bethlehem, the manger where Jesus was born, complete with live animals. Scenes also depict Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection with the stone rolled away. The event is open to all ages and groups of any size.

Accommodations are available for the handicapped. Homemade

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 13

cookies and drinks will be served in the Christian Life Center at the end of the tour.

I Thursday – Sunday, Dec. 11 – 14; 6 – 8 p.m.; Bethel Baptist Church I Free admission I BBCRobertsdale.com; 251-947-5145; BethelBaptistRobertsdale@gmail.com

SILVERHILL Arctic Express Ride an authentic steam train through a wonderland of lights and decorations to the North Pole.

Children visit with Santa in the winter wonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Free refreshments served at the train station after the trip. Enjoy a ride on the mini-train, a sleigh/hay ride and inflatables on the playgroup. Petting zoo, pony rides and snowball cannon are available for a small fee.

I Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 14; 3 to 9 p.m.; Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway I $15 per person, plus tax.

I WalesWest.com; 888-569-5337 Christmas Open House Visit the historic People’s Supply Building, now home to United Bank. Refreshments will be provided by Café Acadiana.

I Friday, Dec. 5; 2 – 4 p.m.

The Robertsdale High School Chorus performs at Christmas in the Park last year in Robertsdale.

I Free admission I 251-945-1902 Silverhill Christmas Parade I Friday, Dec. 5; 6:30 p.m.; downtown Silverhill I Free admission I 251-945-5198

10th annual Downhome Christmas Features a variety of handmade items for sale including wreaths, jewelry, frames, crochet, quilts, local honey, knitted items, specialty bird houses, local art, scarves, garden ornaments and more. Fresh-ground cornmeal will be made on site. Live

City of

Invites Everyone To

Christmas in the P ark Saturday, December 6 th

Honeybee Park, Robertsdale

(With RHS Chorus Department, starts at 4pm)

Christmas Parade

Starts at 6pm

poinsettias will also be available for sale.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Silverhill Covenant Church I Free admission. Homemade lunch available for $5.

I 251-945-5143

South 14 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

Baldwin

Foley Christmas Parade and “Let it Snow” return

By Cathy Higgins Foley will display the yuletide spirit Saturday, Dec. 6, with two annual events downtown.

First up is Foley’s annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the Foley Kiwanis Club. The procession starts at 10 a.m., at the National Guard Armory on East Violet Avenue, and ends at the intersection of McKenzie Street and Laurel Avenue.

Once the parade ends, the fun continues at Heritage Park with “Let it Snow,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The man-made snow is created from 40 tons of ice and offers fun for both

BON SECOUR Christmas Open House Live music by Jam N Folks Dulcimer Group, Tyler Champion and Lady Banjo and Mr. Harp. Featuring Meme Swift’s Seafood Gumbo.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Swift-Coles Historic Home I $15

ELBERTA

are welcome to drive by the house anytime during the season.

I Through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015; George Younce Road Foley Christmas in the Park Carol-singing, cocoa-sipping, Santa and lighting of the Christmas tree; free cocoa and snacks for all.

I Friday, Dec. 5; 6 p.m.; Heritage Park

Christmas Parade Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Elberta Gazebo in the Elberta Town Park.

Then at 6 p.m. is the Christmas Tree Lighting in the park. Nearby at Vision Bank, a separate fundraiser will have hamburgers and hot dogs available for purchase.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 2 p.m.; downtown Elberta I Free admission I 251-968-5995

MSYO Concert Under the baton of music director Dr. Robert J. Seebacher, this full symphony of young musicians will present “Holiday Concert”, which will include holiday and seasonal favorites as well as some orchestral showpieces.

I Friday, Dec. 5; 7:30 p.m.; Foley Civic Center I The MSYO concert is free, although a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated.

FOLEY

Coastal Chorale One of three performances of its annual Christmas show entitled “Joyful Jingles.” Hear Christmas and holiday favorites ranging

Marjorie Snook Home Decorations Marjorie Snook elaborately decorates her Victorian home. Families

Young revelers enjoy last year’s “Let it Snow” in Foley’s Heritage Park.

young and old.

This free event also includes live entertainment by the Foley High School Band, FHS Chorus and the Foley Elementary Show Choir, “Fame.” Plus, a children’s art village, story-telling by Mrs. Claus, food vendors and inflatables.

Saturday afternoon, Santa will be at the decorated gazebo, along with a professional photographer, so residents can get their holiday pictures.

Visit VisitFoley.org or call 251-943-1300 to find out more. from classical to pop.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7; 3 p.m.; Foley Civic Center I $15 “A Frozen Christmas” Under the direction of Dr. Roger Jones, the Baldwin Pops will perform well-known Christmas classics, including Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” and “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin. The Spanish Fort Middle School choirs will add their young voices to a Christmas sing-a-long and to symphonic highlights from the movie “Frozen,” arranged by Stephen Bulla. Santa even plans to stop by to listen for awhile.

I Monday, Dec. 8; 7 p.m.; Foley Civic Center I Free admission; A representative from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will be available to collect new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

I VisitFoley.org; 251-943-1300

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus Magnolia Springs Community Association will host a pancake breakfast and pictures with the Jolly Old Elf and his Yuletide bride.

I Saturday, Dec. 6; 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Magnolia Springs Community Hall I Free admission I 251-965-9888

SUMMERDALE Summerdale Museum Christmas Party I Sunday, Dec. 7; 3:30 p.m.; Summerdale Museum I Free admission Summerdale Christmas Parade The event will feature Summerdale School and Robertsdale High School bands.

Following the parade, attendees can enjoy refreshments and visit with Santa at the park.

I Saturday, Dec. 13; 4:30 p.m.; begins at Fourth Street I Free admission I 251-367-1981; 251-989-6202

Eastern

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 15

SHORE DAPHNE Daphne Christmas Parade and Family Fun Day The city invites everyone to come play in the “snow,” visit with Santa Claus and take your own photos.

The event will have free refreshments, crafts, live music and much more your family to enjoy.

I Saturday, Dec. 13; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Daphne City Hall I Free admission I 251-621-9000 Baldwin Pops Concert I Tuesday, Dec. 9; 7 p.m.; Daphne Civic Center I Free admission I 251-626-5300

FAIRHOPE Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade The parade will begin at the intersection of Morphy Avenue and Section Street and will continue

down Section Street to Oak Street.

More than 50 parade units are expected before the arrival of Santa Claus at the end.

I Friday, Dec. 5; 7 p.m.; downtown Fairhope I Free admission I 251-928-8003 Santa Saturdays Parents are invited to bring cameras for free pictures with the Jolly Old Elf. I Saturdays Dec. 6 and 13; 10 a.m. – noon; Fairhope Museum of History I Free admission I 251-928-8003 Holiday Concert The Eastern Shore Choral Society’s holiday concert will feature “Gloria” by Randall Bass, “This Little Babe” from Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Laurdisen,

photos courtesy of the city of fairhope

The train from Fish River Trees drives by at the Fairhope Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is Dec. 5. choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” as well as fun arrangements of traditional Christmas songs.

I Sunday, Dec. 7; 3 p.m.; Fairhope United Methodist Church I Adults, $15; students, free I ESCS.org; info@escs.org “The Nutcracker” Bay Shore Ballet will present its annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” Janet Carole will direct the performance, and Tracey Peters will be the principal dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

I Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13; 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; Dec. 14; 3 p.m.; Fairhope Civic Center I Adults, $12; seniors and children under 12, $10 I NutcrackerTix.EventBrite.com Messiah Sing I Tuesday, Dec. 16; 7 p.m.; Trinity Presbyterian Church I Free admission; donations accepted I ESCS.org; 888-747-6150

Tuba players in the Fairhope High School marching band play in the streets of Fairhope at the Christmas parade.

Fish River Boat Parade Come enjoy the lighted boats sail while enjoying some of your favorite food.

I Saturday, Dec. 20; 5 – 8 p.m.;

Big Daddy’s Grill I 251-990-8555

POINT CLEAR Breakfast with Santa Enjoy an appetizing breakfast buffet at the Grand’s Four Diamond restaurant prior to a visit with Santa. Santa will be visiting 8 – 10 a.m. Reservations are required.

I Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20; 6:30 – 10:30 a.m.; the Grand Hotel Dining Room I 251-928-9201 Gingerbread Village The magnificent Gingerbread Village features a massive replica of the Grand Hotel. The Grand gingerbread masterpiece will be unveiled with the rest of the dazzling décor at the hotel, including the spectacular Christmas trees and hundreds of poinsettias.

I Through Christmas; the Grand Hotel I 251-928-9201

SPANISH FORT Spanish Fort “Spirit of Christmas” Parade I Saturday, Dec. 6; 9 a.m.; Eastern Shore Centre I Free admission I 251-626-4884

Gulf

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16 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

coast GULF SHORES Gulf Shores Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration The parade will feature dozens of festive lighted floats, celebrity judges, appearances from holiday characters and marching bands from around the region. Afterwards the celebration continues at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Families can enjoy a stunning lighting ceremony followed by pictures with Santa, a live nativity, holiday treats, crafts and much more.

I Dec. 5; 6:30 – 8 p.m.; Highway 59 to the Gulf Shores Public Beach I Free I 251-968-1173 Coastal Christmas at Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion A Christmas celebration with the Gulf State Park family and community.

I Dec. 7; 5 – 7 p.m.; Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion I 251-948-7275 Christmas with the Nelsons Multi-platinum recording artists Matthew and Gunnar Nelson present Christmas with the Nelsons.

This family affair tells the story of three family Christmases in the lives of America’s favorite family – The Nelsons.

I Dec. 9; 6:30 – 9 p.m.; Erie Meyer Civic Center Billy Claus at LuLu’s Billy Claus and the LuLuBelles will arrive in a surprise style, be sure to bring the whole family for this day of fun! Arts and crafts will be available for the kids, a letter station for children to write letters for Billy to take to his big brother Santa Claus, and Billy and the LuLuBelles will be available for

Find unique Christmas gifts at the Merry Market Dec. 12 and 13 like this wooden snowman by local artist Robert Younce. photos with the children. Be sure to stick around because at dusk the Nautical Night of Lights Boat Parade begins at LuLu’s.

I Saturday, Dec. 13; 2 – 5 p.m.; LuLu’s Homeport Marina I Free admission I 251-967-5858 29th annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade The parade will travel east down the Intracoastal Waterway Canal, past The Wharf (public viewing area), around Bear Point, along the south end of Ono Island, west to Perdido Pass, north into Terry Cove Harbor, south to bridge and end in Orange Beach.

I Saturday, Dec. 13; 5:30 – 9 p.m.

I Free admission I 251-981-2300

Billy Claus and the LuLuBelles will make a special appearance at LuLu’s Dec. 13. There will be arts and crafts, letter writing, live music and more.

Breakfast with Santa Youngsters will have one last chance to visit with Santa. Families can dive into a wholesome breakfast complete with sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes before

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 17

having pictures taken with Santa.

I Saturday, Dec. 20; 8 a.m.; Erie Meyer Civic Center I $5; children 3 and under, free I 251-968-1172

ORANGE BEACH Holiday Ice Skating at The Wharf Real ice is back and better than ever! Enjoy ice skating in a festive holiday setting.

I Through Jan. 4; Monday – Friday, 4 – 10 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Palm Plaza at The Wharf I Two hours, $10; two hours and Ferris wheel ride, $12 I alwharf.com; 251-244-1000 Winter Wonderland at The Wharf Enjoy The Wharf’s Light and Sound Spectacular SPECTRA, nightly shows every day of the week on Main Street! Get into the spirit of the season with your favorite holiday songs.

I Through Jan. 31; daily I Free I alwharf.com; 251-244-1000 Photos with Santa Start a holiday tradition!

Get a commemorative Winter Wonderland photo.

I Through Dec. 21; Fridays, 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4p.m.; Sundays, noon – 4 p.m.; The Wharf I $10 per photo I 251-224-1000 Horse and Carriage Rides Enjoy a horse and carriage ride through Winter Wonderland at The Wharf. Call for holiday dates of operation.

I Weekends in December; The Wharf I $10 per person I 251-224-1000 Mirams Taste of the Island The Mystical Order of Mirams eighth annual event will include in the night will be a raffle for a loaded red sports cart valued at $12,500. Price of admission is all inclusive for food and drink.

Adam Burges demonstrates glass blowing to passersby. The Coastal Arts Center will host a Hot Shop Blowout this year on Dec. 18 with hot cocoa, glass, gifts and more.

I Friday, Dec. 5; 6 p.m.; Orange Beach Events Center at The Wharf I $50 I Mirams.info/; 251-269-0555; MustangJuJu@hotmail.com Golf Cart Parade I Sunday, Dec. 7; 5 p.m.; Christmas dinner, 6 p.m.; Bear Point Civic Association I 251-981-5734 Orange Beach Rec Center Open House Enjoy pizza from Pappas Pizza, cookies and carolers.

I Dec. 8; 4 – 6 p.m.; Orange Beach Rec Center, 4849 Wilson Blvd.

Light Up Orange Beach The Orange Beach Garden Club is asking for Orange Beach residents to participate by decorating and lighting up their homes and/or busi-

nesses during the holiday season.

Prizes will be awarded.

I Judging is Tuesday, Dec. 11 I Free to enter Santa Drop Bring the family and kids to see Santa drop from an airplane and land safely on the beautiful white sandy beaches behind Flora-Bama.

Food, delicious treats, pictures with Santa and tons of fun activities for the kids immediately following.

I Dec. 13; noon – 4 p.m.; Flora-Bama I Free admission I FloraBama.com/Events Merry Market Unique Gifts and Arts and Crafts Expo Third annual unique gifts and arts and crafts expo; food court with seating. Story time with Mrs. Claus Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Photos available after

each session for purchase with Dillon Photography.

I Friday, Dec. 12; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Orange Beach Events Center at The Wharf I Free admission I 251-968-7200 Orange Beach Public Library Open House Enjoy snacks and a book sale.

I Dec. 18; 1 – 4 p.m.; Orange Beach Public Library, 26267 Canal Road Coastal Arts Center Hot Shop Blowout Come shop for Christmas gifts while enjoying hot cocoa and hot glass!

I Thursday, Dec. 18; 5 – 7 p.m.; Coastal Arts Center I Free admission I 251-981-2787

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

18 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

the buzz on the coast

Tag your event photos with @GulfCoastBuzz on Facebook.

14 DAYS

Compiled by Allison Woodham Email calendar items to awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment ONGOING Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market I Fridays, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; County Road 20, Foley I Free admission I CoastalAlabamaMarket.com; 251-943-1545 Dance Night at the Gallery Dances taught are East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Merengue, Mambo, Cha Cha, Rumba, Shag, Hustle, Waltz and Tango.

Singles are welcome as beginners, intermediate and advanced students.

I Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery, Gulf Shores I $12 I 251-948-2627; GulfCoastArtsAlliance@gmail.com

Magic Christmas in Lights Enjoy one of the most popular holiday events in the Southeast.

Stroll through the gardens with more than 3 million twinkling lights in over 835 custom designed set pieces in 12 scenes.

I Through Jan. 3, 2015 (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1); Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore I Bellingrath.org; 251-973-2217

Find more Baldwin County holiday events on pages 9 – 17.

Start your Christmas shopping at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 6 and 7.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 Ornament Make and Take I 1:30 – 5 p.m.; Daphne Public Library I Free admission I 251-626-2818 First Friday Dinner Walk Walk by many beautifully decorated homes for the holiday season through Gulf Breeze before going to dinner. The walk will go through the Plantation Hill area to view the Christmas lights.

Safe Harbor Financial

Afterward everyone will eat dinner at Rotolo’s.

I 6 – 8 p.m.; Publix parking lot, Gulf Breeze I 850-932-0125 “Cinderella” The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers and Hammerstein

hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.

I Dec. 5, 6; 7:30 p.m.; South Baldwin Community Theatre, Gulf Shores I Adults, $18; students, $15 I SBCT.biz; 251-968-6721 Jeanne Robertson “FABulously Funny” Tour

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Dec. 5 – 18, 2014 An overnight success nearly half a century in the making, Robertson keeps audiences rolling on the floor with laughter.

At 70 years young, this former Miss North Carolina stands at 6 feet, 2 inches tall and has a personality, heart and sense of humor that soar just as high.

I 8 p.m.; Pensacola Saenger Theatre I Tickets start at $38 I TicketMaster.com; 800-745-3000

SATURDAY, DEC. 6 Christmas Bazaar Variety of vendor booths, arts and crafts, antiques, food, pictures with Santa and much more. Come do all of your Christmas shopping with and help your community at the same time.

I Dec. 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Fairhope I Free admission I 251-928-5931 Daphne Winter Bazaar Original arts and crafts, free face painting, music and more.

I 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Daphne Art Center I 251-621-0659 Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Christmas Celebration The public is invited to come browse the Art Gallery for original works of art, handpainted Christmas cards, driftwood trees, uniquely designed jewelry, hand-made Christmas ornaments, local pottery and hand-carved wooden items.

There will be door prizes with hourly drawings for locally created art items.

I 1 – 5 p.m.; Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery, Gulf Shores I Free admission I GulfCoastArtsAlliance. com; 251-948-2627; GulfCoastArtsAlliance@

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 19

gmail.com

TUESDAY, DEC. 9 “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” IMPACT Youth Theater presents a special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Silent auction and concessions available.

I 7 p.m.; Fairhope Civic Center I Free admission; donations are welcome I IMPACTYouthTheater.com; IMPACTYouthTheater@ gmail.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 11 Jammin’ Folks Holiday Concert, “Christmas Around the World” Christmas music on instruments such as dulcimers and whistles.

I 2 p.m.; James P. Nix Center, Fairhope I 251-928-2835

Something For Everyone On Your List

A small drive for big laughs. Catch Jeanne Robertson Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in Pensacola.

Santa Stories I 4 – 6 p.m.; Daphne Public Library I Free admission I 251-626-2818

Children are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas and bring a blanket as they sit around the fireplace in the Longleaf Room at Delta Hall. The event includes Christmas carols, holiday book readings and a visit from Santa Claus.

I 7 p.m.; 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I Free admission I 251-625-0814

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Robertsdale High School Softball, Baseball and Volleyball Booster Club Golf Tournament Barbeque lunch will be provided, door prizes, closest to the pin and longest drive competition and more.

I Registration, 11 a.m.; golf starts, 12:30 p.m.; Gulf Shores Country Club I $100 per player or $400 per team of four I 251-747-0024; 251-583-5941; tacarnley@gmail.com; Terrel2@labcorp.com

Christmas Gift Make and Take I 1:30 – 5 p.m.; Daphne Public Library I Free admission I 251-626-2818

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 “The Night Before Christmas” book reading

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 A Frozen Tea Party Be enchanted in a winter wonderland with live performances from “Frozen.”

Sing and dance to inspiring songs, including “Let it Go” while enjoying delectable treats and tea. Proceeds benefit The Exceptional Foundation’s Project Mouvement in Art. I 2 p.m.; Fairhope Civic Center I PMIart.com; 251-751-3686

Shopping

Target Bed Bath & Beyond Books A Million Accessories Galore/Bag Lady Dollar Tree GNC Hibbett Sports Jubilee Apparel and Gifts The Orchard Apple Specialists Little Monkey Toes Lovely Nails Mission 25 Hair Studio The Beach House Boutique Too Hot Mamas

Dining & Entertainment

Cactus Flower Cobb Theater Cohiba Dunes Cigar Bar Dairy Queen Kitty’s Kafe Longhorn Steakhouse Mikato Japanese Steak House Papa’s Pizza Rafters Restaurant & Sports Bar www.thepelicanplace.com

3800 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

20 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

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Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

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Stressed about the holidays?

By Eric Mann emann@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

L

et’s be honest.

T h e r e ’s n o way to have a truly stress-free holiday.

Whether you are on the road to Grandma’s house, welcoming family into your home or flying to some far off destination, your holiday experience will come with mountains of stress.

But there are a few things you can do to keep yourself, your kids and your family smiling more often that not during the holiday season.

One of the best ways to avoid excess holiday stress is to keep your children on the same schedule they follow on non-holiday days.

Whether it is keeping the same bed time, eating at the same times or reading to them like you normally do, your kids will feel more secure if their schedule doesn’t change too much.

That’s easier said than done, of course. If keeping the same schedule

c Mann Eri

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Volunteer with your family to relieve stress and help others during the holiday.

isn’t going to be possible for you, try to get your children involved in your holiday planning. Don’t let your 5-year-old make big decisions, but letting them add a play time or snack time to the schedule will give them a sense of importance and could keep them happy.

Another way to de-stress during the holidays is to make a real effort to be generous.

Schedule a time for you and your kids to volunteer at a soup kitchen, buy a gift for an underprivileged child, run errands for your stressed out grandmother, be friendly and kind to that aunt you aren’t always excited to see. Being generous will not only make you feel better, but it will impact your children in a meaningful and lasting way.

And finally, remember that the holidays aren’t about you. Christmas isn’t about Santa Claus, gifts or food and it isn’t about seeing your distant relatives. Those things are fun and important, but that’s not the reason for the season. Remembering the true meaning of the holidays and keeping that at the forefront is the best way to de-stress this month.

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 21

AIMING AND ANGLING

Holiday delights for fishing fans Kri

As we head into this busy holiday season, I sometimes find it difficult to decide on unique gift ideas for the fishermen in my life.

Here’s a list of fun gift ideas that would be great to give or receive for fishing fanatics!

Hot fishing gift links

oberson nR sti

By Kristin H. Roberson kristin@thinkpinkfish.com

Tackle Boxes and Accessories • Sam’s Bait and Tackle - SamsBaitAndTackle.com • J&M Tackle - JMTackle.com • Lap’s on the Causeway Bait Shop LapsOnTheCauseway.com/Page/BaitShop Fishing Kayaks • Blue Water Ship Store - BWSSAL.com • Fairhope Boat Company - FairhopeBoat.com

Soft-sided tackle box

These tackle boxes handle the rough and tough fishing life while keeping all your supplies in one place. The softsided tackle boxes are easy to clean and can easily be stored in small spaces. Check local marine stores and fishing tackle shops for a great selection of tackle boxes and accessories.

Fishing kayaks

The trend of fishing from a kayak is taking our area by storm. This fun way to fish allows for greater interaction and a little challenge when hunting for that next big catch. Plus, fisherman can take advantage

BUY

Inshore and Offshore Fishing Charters • Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism – GulfShores.com offers a full list of local fishing charters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach • OrangeBeachCharterFishingAssociation.com • Visit Eastern Shore - VisitEasternShoreAlabama.com/Page/Recreation offers a full list of local fishing charters on the Eastern Shore (Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort)

of multiple “kayak-only” launch points throughout Baldwin County. Check local marine stores or fishing tackle shops for a variety of kayak models.

Inshore or offshore charter fishing trip

Here’s a great opportunity to share your fishing enthusiasm with your loved ones. Different types of charters along the coast are available year round, but you might have to brave a little cooler temps. Some charters allow non-fishing guests (spectators), too. Be sure to ask the specifics on timing and restrictions.

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

between the pages

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014 Tell Cliff what you are reading at cmccollum@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Cliff McC o

22 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

“Southern Wonder”

by R. Scot Duncan

W

hile I certainly don’t look like an avid outdoorsman, I do thoroughly enjoy getting out into nature and enjoying the varying myriad of flora and fauna that our beautiful state of Alabama has to offer.

To that end, R. Scot Duncan’s “Southern Wonder” is a perfect companion for the nature lover and the uninitiated alike.

The book breaks down Alabama’s amazing biodiversity by region, giving you the ability to find the chapter for the region

you’re in with relative ease.

Duncan’s prose is fluid and not heavily jargoned as some scientific texts can be, nor does he get too preachy when speaking about the need to protect Alabama’s wonderful menagerie of plant and animal life.

We’re blessed to live in a state of wide, varying terrains and climates, and this book will tell you everything you need to know to help celebrate that excellent blessing that has been bestowed upon us.

Did you know?

Because Baldwin County is blessed with so many different types of terrain, we can boast that our county hosts more species of turtles than any other place on the planet Earth.

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Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 23

COASTAL CHRISTM S THROUGH JANUARY 1

Delight in the wonder of the holiday season during Coastal Christmas.

The season’s celebrations include Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a classical Christmas concert, events at the Gulf State Park, ice skating, an arts and crafts show, the Lighted Boat Parade and much more.

See the full schedule of events at AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

24 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

gulf coast

what to buy

The about

unusual gifts With the holidays upon us, we often find ourselves waiting until the last minute to find that special something for “that complicated person” we all have on our list. You have trouble every year buying for this family member or friend, and struggle and worry as you pace through malls, Walmarts and local stores. Worry no more as we have compiled several items that will make your gift not only special this holiday season, but also memorable. Not only are these gifts special for a close friend, but they make great Dirty or Secret Santa gifts.

Wojo Wallet

interested?

COST: $12.95, plus shipping PHONE: 1-855-BUY-WOJO (1-855-289-9656) WEBSITE: WojoWallet.com

Living along the Gulf Coast, this versatile wallet is perfect for all lifestyles. Whether you’re heading to the gym, taking a fishing trip or heading out for the night with friends, Wojo is helpful for everyone with its small, sleek design.

Floating: Get the freedom to enjoy all your activities, being stress free about your floating wallet. Whether it is parties at the beach or a charter sport, indulge whole-heartedly, knowing that your wallet and its contents are safe.

Compact: Wojo Wallet is a compact and lightweight wallet, perfect to carry your essential credit cards and some cash. Heading to the gym? The Wojo even has room for a key.

Security: Made out of neoprene, Wojo Wallets are designed to keep your credit cards and cash safe. The exterior grips clothing material, fits well into the smallest of pockets and never slips out.

Light weight: Wojo, a minimalist lightweight wallet is lighter than an ounce. Sleek and sporty, it’s perfect for people on the go.

Water resistant: Stock your ID, credit cards or cash in a Wojo Wallet and forget about damage by sweat or water.

Unisex: Sleek, stylish and sporty, a Wojo Wallet is perfect for men and women. Get one in each color to match a myriad of moods and outfits.

Bridgewater Candle Company: the candle company that’s giving back

Their mission is simple: light a candle, feed a child. Through their partnership with Rice Bowls, every candle sold feeds an orphaned child for a day.

Established in 1998 in Spartanburg, S. C., Bridgewater Candle Company quickly became a leader in the candle market with a reputation for its clean-burning candles, full-fragranced products and passionate sales team. Bridgewater offers everyday hospitality through fun, friendly, comfort fragrances. From fresh and clean to warm and cozy, these scents create those special moments in life worth savoring. Furthermore, they are committed to sharinterested? ing this warmth and hospitality with the world because COST: 8-ounce candles start they believe that every day matters to everyone. at $14, plus shipping These candles are made in the United States, supportWEBSITE: ing American jobs while also sharing their blessing with BridgeWaterCandles.com the world.

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 25

CableJive

CableJive is a collection of adapters and cables that allows convenient compatibility between new iPhone and Android models and older docking accessories.

This holiday season, many iPhone 6 coveters may find themselves a little bit disappointed when Santa grants their wish. That is because the latest Apple smartphone may not be compatible with their current docking accessories and stations. Fortunately, CableJive will eliminate this postChristmas letdown with a collection of adapters and cables that allow newer phones — both Apple and Android — to be used both wirelessly and inside their protective casing with older docking accessories.

One of the biggest issues associated with the recent mobile phone launches is the expense and inconvenience of updating necessary phone accessories. Luckily, CableJive eliminates this problem with three adapters that makes connecting to old and newer accessories more convenient and flexible: DOCKSTUBZ are designed to establish a snug connection to audio/charge docks while the case protects the device so users can listen to music without worrying about dropping and cracking their phone.

DOCKXTENDER is perfect for the car as it connects the older iPhone chargers to the new lightning adapter for an easily-concealed car audio connection. DockXtender not only charges the device, but passes all audio, video and data as well.

DOCKBOSS AIR wireless adapter model uses Bluetooth to wirelessly play higherquality sound through iPhone and iPod speakers without messy cords. Like the other CableJive offerings, it allows backward compatibility between new phone models and previous model docking accessories.

interested?

COST: Adapters range from $18.95 – $34.95 WEBSITE: CableJive.com

Flip2BFit

interested?

COST: Games and toys start at $9.95; game volumes available for schools PHONE: 1-800-795-2492 WEBSITE: Flip2BFit.com

Every New Year, people of all ages make those dreaded New Year resolutions. One of the most frequently made resolutions is to get in shape or stick to a fitness routine. Even if some people are able to keep to their goal for a short duration, it usually fizzles out fast.

Boredom is one of the main reasons for losing the motivation to keep at a workout routine, as well as lack of planning. But now, thanks to Flip2BFit, your whole family can get fit together while building relationships with one another through a fun fitness game.

Just open up the box and get started on a journey towards a healthier you and healthier family. It is a great way to teach kids about the value of a healthy lifestyle, and promote activities that will keep them active throughout their lives. Gone are the days of knowing fitness is good for the family, but not knowing how to get those you love to participate in an exercise program.

Flip2BFit is a revolutionary new fitness game for all ages. The only game of its kind, Flip2BFit is helping people all over the globe step up and get in shape through the use of mental and physical challenges in one fun board game. Learn yoga, cardio, stretching and strength activities while playing a board game that is anything but boring. Each game of Flip2BFit takes about 30 minutes, and in that time each player will be challenged and feel healthy. Instead of sitting around a TV together at night, why not try a round of Flip2BFit and get the whole family in shape?

26 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

culturally speaking

Bay Shore Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” Tutus and pointe shoes twirl and swirl as dancers of The Bay Shore Ballet Theatre grace the stage once again, bringing the holiday season to life performing the world’s most beloved ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Janet Carole, artistic director and former professional principal dancer with leading U.S. ballet companies, has restaged this legendary classic for more than 70 dancers and performers from all of the Baldwin County communities.

Written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816, the story of “The Nutcracker” evokes the nostalgia of a Victorian Christmas and tells the story of a little girl named Clara, danced

by Mary Ellis Ollinger and Claire Kiernan, alternately.

The ballet is set in a European village long ago as Clara’s family is preparing for a Christmas party. Clara’s mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives with his nephew and brings gifts for all the children, along with wonderful life-sized mechanical dolls to entertain the guests. For Clara, he brings the very special gift of a nutcracker. As midnight approaches Clara tiptoes downstairs to find her nutcracker, and as she falls asleep by the firelight, she begins to have a strange dream.

The role of the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer is played by Ellis Ollinger and the evil Rat King is portrayed alternately by leading dancers Lily Frances Fontenot and Sarah Templeton. The Sugar Plum Fairy is danced by principal Tracy Peters.

During the intermission, The Bay Shore Ballet Theatre will also host the Nutcracker Boutique and the Nutcracker Suite Shoppe, offering gift ideas for the holidays, along with refreshments.

Claire Kiernan as Clara and Ellis Ollinger as Drosselmeyer.

if you go WHAT: “The Nutcracker” WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. (preview performance) and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Fairhope Civic Center COST: Special preview price, $5; all other performances: adults, 12, children and seniors, $10; reserved seating, $15 FIND OUT MORE: Call Missy Templeton at 251-923-9223

Coastal Arts Center Of Orange Beach

Campus Hours: M-F 10a m– Sat 10am 4pm – 2pm

Hot Shop Blowout

December 18 5-7pm

See us at Merry Market December 12th & 13th!

Hot Christmas gifts, hot chocolate & hot glass!

FREE EVENT

Glass & Clay Artist Demonstrations Make-Your-Own classes CoastalArtsCenter.com

26389 Canal Rd. • Orange Beach, AL 251-981-ARTS (2787)

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

live local music Karaoke

Daphne Top of the Bay Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Fairhope Gambino’s Italian Grill Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

Foley Good Time Charlies every Tuesday at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Ft. Morgan Tacky Jacks every Thursday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

Gulf Shores Behind the Pines Bar & Grill

every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Mudbugs Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pink Pony Pub every night at 9 p.m.

Tacky Jacks every Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach Island Time Daiquiri Bar every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Live Bait every night at 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar every Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

The Undertow Wednesday – Friday at 9:30 p.m.

Perdido Key Happy Harbor on the Line

The Mario Mena Band will play at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Friday, Dec. 12.

Compiled by Destiny Brown Email dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com to update or add listings.

every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Open Mic

Fairhope American Legion 199 open guitar jams every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Old 27 Grill Bay Area Songwriters Meeting Dec. 18 The Gumbo Shack every Thursday at 6 p.m.

Plow every other Tuesday Foley The Office Lounge every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Gulf Shores Tacky Jacks every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach Happy Harbor the Mothership every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Island Time Daiquiri Bar Tuesday with Brittany Bell at 9 p.m.

Live Bait every Sunday at 8 p.m.

Perdido Key Flora-Bama every Monday at 6 p.m.

Trivia

Daphne Moe’s Bar B Que every Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Top of the Bay Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Fairhope Fairhope Brewing Company every Thursday Ravenite Pizzeria Trivia every

Answers:

Puzzles on page 30

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 27

Tuesday, Sports Trivia every Wednesday Foley Good Time Charlies everyday at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Robbie Sellers Moe’s Original Bar B Que Cat and the Truth Fairhope Old 27 Grill Them Again Windmill Market Jimmy Lumpkin / Sugarcane Jane Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Lisa Zanghi Lulu’s Jeri Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Happy Harbor the Mothership Jay Williams Band Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Ty Bates Perdido Key Flora-Bama J. Hawkins / Jack Robertson Show / LeaAnne Creswell Trio / Robert Wayne Band Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Blind Dog Mike

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

28 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

live local music Saturday, Dec. 6

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Glass Joe Moe’s Original Bar B Que Aubrey Wollett Gulf Shores LuLu’s CoConut Radio Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Ty Bates Perdido Key Flora-Bama LeaAnne Creswell Trio / Jack Robertson Show / Big Muddy Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Jimmy Lumpkin

Sunday, Dec. 7

Fairhope Old 27 Grill The Sound Carpenters Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown Orange Beach Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Perdido Key Flora-Bama J. Hawkins / Perdido Brothers / Kyle Wilson Silverhill Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm Eric Taylor, Will Kimbrough, Grayson Capps, Corky Hughes Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Chris Powell at noon / Brandon Bailey at 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 8

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Perdido Key Flora-Bama Kyle Wilson Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Jon Miller

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Gulf Shores Erie H. Meyer Civic Center

Christmas with the Nelsons Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Hannah Wallace

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Adam Simpson Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Ross + 1 Felix’s Fish Camp Lee Yankie

Thursday, Dec. 11

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Ryan Balthrop Fairhope Old 27 Grill Jordy Searcy House Concert Gulf Shores LuLu’s Adam Holt Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer and Mark LaBorde Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp JERI

Friday, Dec. 12

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge The Groove Moe’s Original Bar B Que Dusty Sanderson Fairhope Old 27 Grill Sugarcane Jane Windmill Market Mitch Johnson Gulf Shores LuLu’s Kyle and Karl Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Bill’s by the Beach Lisa Zanghi Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Mario Mena Band Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Grits N Pieces

Saturday, Dec.13

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Triple Threat Moe’s Original Bar B Que Neil Dover at 7 p.m.

Fairhope Windmill Market Harrison McInnis Gulf Shores LuLu’s CoConut Radio Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jay Williams Band Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Blind Dog Mike

Sunday, Dec. 14

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Lisa Zanghi Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Silverhill Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm The Mulligan Brothers Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Jimmy Lumpkin

Monday, Dec. 15

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Bryant Gilley

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Roman Street Gulf Shores LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Bobby Butchka

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Gulf Shores LuLu’s JERI Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Ross + 1 Felix’s Fish Camp Sugarcane Jane

Thursday, Dec. 18

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Adam Holt Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer and Mark LaBorde Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Grits N Pieces

Friday, Dec. 19

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Rock Bottom Moe’s Original Bar B Que Winston Ramble 8 – 11 p.m.

Fairhope Windmill Market Sarah Percy Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Mel of the Foxy Iguanas LuLu’s Kyle and Karl Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jacob Martin Band Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Blind Dog Mike

Saturday, Dec. 20

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Sugarcane Jane Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jacob Martin Band Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Raising Karma

Sunday, Dec. 21

Fairhope Old 27 Grill The Sound Carpenters Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 29

Bobby Butchka

ONGOING

See the Mulligan Brothers Sunday, Dec. 14 at The Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm in Silverhill.

Fairhope Gambino’s Italian Grill Dueling Pianos every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Gulf Shores Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Robertsdale Magnolia Blossom Cafe live music every Friday night Silverhill The Porch live music every Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight and Sunday from 4-7 p.m.

Wales West Live Bluegrass / Gospel every Tuesday

Regional Calendar

Mobile Saenger Theatre Friday, Dec. 5 Jerrod Niemann Sunday, Dec. 7 A Roman Street and Mithril Christmas Saturday, Dec. 13 – Sunday Dec. 14 MSO Thursday, Dec. 18 Trace Adkins -

The Christmas Show Saturday, Dec. 20 Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas The Soul Kitchen Friday, Dec. 5 Full Moon Rage Sunday, Dec. 7 D.R.I. / Exces-

sum / Post Mortem / Delirium / D.R.E.A.D. Wednesday, Dec. 10 Mr. Quintron and Miss Pussycat / Hibachi Strangers Saturday, Dec. 13 Sam Hunt

Saturday, Dec. 20 The Molly Ringwalds Pensacola Saenger Theatre Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday Dec. 14 Christmas on the Coast

2014-2015 SEASON

Follow the Mobile Symphony!

MSO 051 Gulf Coast Buzz Mag.indd 5

AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS

UP NEXT:

December 13 & 14 Featuring superstar fiddler Mark O’Connor

AMERICAN MASTERS: AARON COPLAND Featuring Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Billy the Kid January 17 & 18

Sponsored by:

All concerts are held in the beautiful Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile.

Tickets start at just $20.

Tickets available online at www.mobilesymphony.org Phone: 251-432-2010 In person: 257 Dauphin Street

11/25/14 2:40 PM

30 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

puzzles

See page 27 for answers.

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

Dec. 5 – 18, 2014

TASTINGS

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 31

A sparkling time of year Jo

n

bitaille Ro

Jon Robitaille

Beer/Wine Specialist at Cain’s Piggly Wiggly jrobitaille@cainsgrocery.com

Oh the holiday season! Everything is festive and bubbly and all the little lights are sparkling in the dark nights. Kind of puts you in the mood for a good sparkling wine, doesn’t it?

The very nature of the season; the celebrations, the parties and the get-togethers, offers many opportunities to break open a bottle of bubbly. But when you’re shopping, you shop your favorite wine shop or grocery store and you’re bombarded with many choices of sparkling wines, each with terminology that you may or may not be familiar with. How do you know what is the right bottle to buy?

The classic definition of a sparkling wine is any wine with a significant amount of carbon dioxide resulting in fizziness. The carbon dioxide can be a result of natural fermentation either in the bottle (Traditional method), in a large tank (Charmat process) or as a result of carbon dioxide injection.

Sparkling wines are typically white or rose but can be red as well, typically being made from the Shiraz grape.

Types of sparkling wine

Champagne is a term that is often used generically for all sparkling wines. The fact is, it is a name that is reserved for those wines that are produced specifically in the Champagne region of France. Traditionally, the grapes used for champagne are chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier and the traditional method is used for the carbon dioxide. U.S. regulations now ban the term “champagne” on any wines produced outside of Champagne. Since 2006, the “grandfathered labels” can only use the term if it appears next to the appellation, such as “California Champagne.”

Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain, most of which is produced in Catalonia. The traditional grape varieties are macabeu, parellada and xarel·lo but pinot noir and chardonnay can be used as well.

Asti or Asti Spumante, is a sparkling white Italian wine produced in the Piedmont region and made from the Moscato Bianco grape. It is typically low in alcohol and sweet. Asti gains its bubbles from the Charmat process.

Prosecco is another Italian sparkling white wine, but from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. It is normally made from the Glera grape and usually a dry or extra dry wine.

Touring a brewery

By Scott Gentry gentrst@gmail.com Scott G en

One of the greatest things about participating in the beer hobby is the array of different ways beer can be enjoyed.

With the strong DIY ethic found in the craft beer production world today, one way that is becoming increasingly popular to enjoy beer is to actually visit a brewery.

If you’ve ever had the inkling to find out more about how beer is made, hands down the best crash course is to find a brewery that offers tours. You’ll find yourself enjoying learning about ingredients, mash schedules, fermentation, year and bottling, even if your primary interest is just drinking beer. Speaking of drinking beer, you get to do that in a brewery tour, too; often for free or at least very cheaply.

I’ve been on a handful of tours myself across the South and I’ve enjoyed each one. I’ve been to some of the larger ones around — Terrapin in Athens, Ga. and Abita in Abita Springs, La. — and it is truly incredible to see those massive fermentation tanks and mile-high stacks of kegs in an expansive facility. I’ve also been to some very small breweries, like New Republic Brewery in College Station, Texas.

At tiny breweries it isn’t the scale of the operation that is most impressive; rather, it is the tenacity and ingenuity of the brew master to brew commercial quality beer — and earn a living at it — on a shoestring budget that stands out as exceptional. I’m sure it is an exciting time right now to be a craft brewer.

I know local brewery tours are mostly nonexistent, but if you find yourself on a trip out of town, try to find a brewery tour on the way or at your destination. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.

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